The largest volcano in the Ring of Fire is Mauna Loa, located on the Big Island of Hawaii. Mauna Loa is not only the largest volcano in the Ring of Fire but also the largest active volcano on Earth. It covers an area of about 5,271 square kilometers (2,035 square miles) and rises about 4,169 meters (13,678 feet) above sea level. However, when measured from its base on the ocean floor, it reaches a height of more than 9,144 meters (30,000 feet), making it taller than Mount Everest.
Mauna Loa is a shield volcano, characterized by its broad, gently sloping sides formed by the eruption of low-viscosity lava that can flow long distances. It has erupted 33 times since its first well-documented eruption in 1843, with its most recent eruption occurring in 1984. Despite its frequent activity, Mauna Loa is closely monitored by scientists to ensure the safety of nearby communities.
The Ring of Fire is a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. It is home to about 75% of the world’s active and dormant volcanoes. Mauna Loa’s prominence in this region highlights the dynamic and powerful geological processes that shape our planet.